SJSU’s Weeks of Welcome Provides Connection, Community and Support
These events are designed to welcome new and returning students, and to provide support for new Spartans to transition into the campus community.
This year, Weeks of Welcome, also known as WOW, kicks off on January 23, and will feature more than 80 events over the course of six weeks.
Jess Prudent, campus programming coordinator for Student Involvement, currently oversees the planning for WOW. She has witnessed just how impactful Weeks of Welcome can be.
“We put so much effort into this every semester, because we know that the first six weeks are important times for our students,” says Prudent. “If we can get them to come out, it sets them up for success right at the start.”
A recent study shows that the majority of college students, no matter what year they are, experience loneliness. At a WOW event, students can make connections to ease feelings of loneliness, especially for first-year students making that big transition onto a college campus.
“We want to make sure our students have the support that they need and build their networks,” says Prudent. “Especially students who are high achievers; some of them want to focus only on academics. But if you only focus on academics, you will miss out on other things. Get your A’s, but also build your network.”
Integrating students more fully into campus life can also improve student retention rates.
“There’s evidence that If students don’t make the connection within the first 3 to 6 weeks that they’re on campus, it’s going to be harder to retain them,” Vice President of Student Affairs Mari Fuentes-Martin said during SJSU’s recent Spring Welcome event for staff and faculty.
During Weeks of Welcome, students are able to find not only community and connection, but they also get a glimpse into the kinds of resources and services — from places like the Career Center, Braven, the Writing Center and the Student Wellness Center — that can make all the difference in giving them a foundation for the rest of the school year and their college careers.
The WOW kickoff on Thursday, January 23, will include a street festival on the 7th Street Paseo. Students will have the opportunity to get some free Kona Ice and tacos; gluten-free and vegan options are available as well. There will also be two balloon artists and a photo booth. Over two dozen departments will be tabling and sharing information with students. Associated Students will also be there to connect with other students who might want to get involved with student government and make an impact on campus.
Although Student Involvement heads up the planning for WOW, it truly is a cross-collaboration between multiple departments.
Below is a list of some stand-out WOW events that you don’t want to miss.
WOW Events Not to Miss
Spring Weeks of Welcome Kick-off: Thursday, January 23, 11a.m.-2p.m. on the 7th Street Paseo
Get Textbook Help and Don’t Go Textbook Broke: Thursday, January 23, 10a.m.-12p.m. at the MLK Library, Digital Humanities Center, Room 113
Lunar New Year celebration: Monday, January 27, to Thursday, January 30, at the Center for Asian Pacific Islander Student Empowerment (CAPISE), MOSAIC, Student Union, and The Dining Commons
Career Center Open House: Wednesday, January 29, 11a.m.-1p.m., Administration Room 255
Student Organization Fair: Monday, February 3, & Tuesday, February 4, 10a.m-2p.m., Student Union Ballroom
Feel the Love Fest: Tuesday, February 11, 11a.m.-2p.m., Student Wellness Center and Paseo
Day of Remembrance, anniversary of Executive Order 9066: Wednesday, February 19, 10:30a.m.-1:30 p.m., Student Union Theater
VIew the full WOW schedule here.
